Hello
I’m new to the community. I have been taking Atorvastatin for 6 months after being diagnosed with high cholesterol of 7.5 . I’ve noticed some side effects but most prominent is the feeling of nausea through various times of the day. Also had constipation and a general feeling of lethargy. Recently had my bloods done and my cholesterol has dropped to 5. So I’ve got an appointment with my GP in a couple of days and was thinking of asking to come off statins or switch to a different type to stop the side effects.
P.s I’m taking a daily 20mg dose
Any help or advice appreciated
What was the reason for blood test?
Do you have all the lipid blood test numbers?
Did your GP do a risk analysis?, offer you life style change?
Write down a list of questions to ask at your appointment and answers for future reference.
You could ask your GP for a 12-lead stress test and also an electro cardiogram, echo cardiogram to identify there there is any health problem due to this little extra cholesterol compared to the guide line. After the test results a cardiologist can make an informed decision on medication.
Life style change, watching out for hidden and free sugar in food and drinks, regular exercise can help towards a healthy life.
Thanks for your prompt reply.
My high cholesterol was originally flagged in a routine medical at work as I am a Firefighter we get health screened every two years.
My blood pressure is fine, fitness level good although a little overweight and I’m 50 years old.
So I went to my GP and got a more accurate cholesterol check. That was 8 months ago and I think it came back as 8.2 cholesterol. I was offered statins but declined as I thought I could lower it naturally. I had retest after a month and the level had roughly stayed the same so I reluctantly accepted medication in the form of Atorvastatin.
Also, the original blood tests identified very low level of Vitamin D.
I have just contacted my GP Surgery and they are emailing me a breakdown of the latest blood test results which I will post as soon as I get them.
Google for getting Vitamin D from food to start with, as we are getting more sunshine try to spend time in the sun to get Vit D. There is Vit D, supplement.
You can also look for information on "Food as medicine", for better health.
You need to understand the side effect of cholesterol medication, your work is very demanding.
Please ask your GP on Vit D.